Cetuximab + Bevacizumab for Brain Tumor

Overseen By Heather McCrea, MD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1 & 2

Sponsor: University of Miami

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Lactation, Significant medical conditions, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Breakthrough Therapy This drug has been fast-tracked for approval by the FDA given its high promise

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 12 months

20 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests the safety and effectiveness of two drugs, cetuximab and bevacizumab, delivered directly into an artery to treat certain brain tumors. It targets patients under 22 with difficult-to-treat brain tumors, such as glioblastoma, that have recurred or resisted previous treatments. Eligible participants must have these specific brain tumors and must not have received chemotherapy for at least three weeks. The trial aims to determine if this monthly treatment can manage these tumors safely and effectively. As a Phase 1, Phase 2 trial, it focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people and measuring its effectiveness in an initial, smaller group.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you stop chemotherapy at least three weeks before starting the treatment. If you are on steroids for brain-related issues, you can continue them as long as the dose is stable or decreasing for at least one week before joining the study. The protocol does not specify other medications, so it's best to discuss with the trial team.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

A previous study found that the combination of cetuximab and bevacizumab was generally well-tolerated, with most participants not experiencing serious side effects, though some had mild skin reactions. Research has also shown that the method used in this trial, super-selective intra-arterial cerebral infusion (SIACI), was safe for adults with brain tumors. These findings suggest a good safety record for these medicines, but side effects can vary among individuals. As this trial is in its early stages, the primary goal is to assess safety, with more information to become available as the study progresses. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?

Researchers are excited about the combination of Cetuximab and Bevacizumab for brain tumors because of its unique delivery method and dual-target approach. Unlike standard treatments that are often given orally or intravenously, this combo is administered directly into an artery, potentially allowing for more effective delivery to the tumor site. Cetuximab targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), while Bevacizumab inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which may result in better tumor control by attacking different growth pathways simultaneously. This dual-action strategy could enhance treatment effectiveness and offer new hope for patients with brain tumors.

What evidence suggests that cetuximab and bevacizumab might be an effective treatment for brain tumors?

Research has shown that using cetuximab and bevacizumab together might help treat brain tumors. Bevacizumab is often used for recurring glioblastoma and has been somewhat successful in slowing tumor growth. Some studies have explored delivering these drugs directly into the brain's arteries, potentially increasing their effectiveness by targeting the tumor more precisely. In this trial, participants will receive an infusion of cetuximab and bevacizumab into an artery each month for up to one year. Early results suggest this method could help manage tumors that return after other treatments. While the initial data is promising, more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of this combination for brain tumors in younger patients. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Heather McCrea, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Miami

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients under 22 with specific brain tumors that have come back or didn't respond to treatment. They need normal blood counts, liver and kidney function, and can't have had chemotherapy in the last three weeks. They must be able to perform daily activities at a certain level and not planning major surgery soon.

Inclusion Criteria

Must have at least one confirmed and evaluable tumor site

Patients of reproductive age must agree to use a medically effective method of contraception during and for a period of three months after the treatment period. A pregnancy test will be performed on each premenopausal female of childbearing potential immediately prior to entry into the research study

I have a confirmed diagnosis of a specific type of brain tumor.

Exclusion Criteria

Females of childbearing potential and fertile men will be informed as to the potential risk of procreation while participating in this research trial and will be advised that they must use effective contraception during and for a period of three months after the treatment period. If they do not agree, they will be ineligible for the study

I do not have any major health or mental conditions that would make treatment risky for me.

I am not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive monthly super-selective intra-arterial cerebral infusion of Cetuximab and Bevacizumab for up to one year

12 months

Monthly visits for infusion

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

1 month

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cetuximab and Bevacizumab

Trial Overview

The study tests monthly doses of cetuximab and bevacizumab delivered directly into the artery leading to the brain tumor in young patients. It aims to see how safe this method is and how well it works against aggressive brain tumors.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: SIACI of cetuximab and bevacizumab Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will receive Cetuximab and Bevacizumab infusion into an artery each month for up to approximately one year.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Miami

Lead Sponsor

Trials

976

Recruited

423,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a retrospective analysis of 28 children with refractory or recurrent brain tumors, bevacizumab was found to have low acute toxicity, with only mild side effects reported, such as hypertension and proteinuria.

While bevacizumab showed some efficacy in reducing tumors in children with low-grade gliomas, it did not demonstrate effectiveness in high-grade gliomas or other tumor types, indicating a need for further research to confirm its potential benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bevacizumab and irinotecan in children with recurrent or refractory brain tumors: toxicity and efficacy trends. Couec, ML., André, N., Thebaud, E., et al.[2022]

In a phase I study involving 41 heavily pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, the combination of erlotinib, cetuximab, and bevacizumab was well tolerated, with 88% of patients able to handle the full FDA-approved doses without severe side effects.

The treatment showed promising antitumor activity, with 34% of patients achieving stable disease for at least 6 months or a partial response, indicating potential effectiveness in this challenging patient population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dual EGFR inhibition in combination with anti-VEGF treatment in colorectal cancer. Falchook, GS., Naing, A., Wheler, JJ., et al.[2022]

Bevacizumab therapy is associated with several adverse events, the most common being hypertension, which requires regular monitoring and management with antihypertensive medications during treatment.

Close monitoring for other serious complications, such as proteinuria and thromboembolic events, is crucial, as timely management can help prevent severe outcomes and improve patient safety throughout the course of therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Understanding and managing the possible adverse effects associated with bevacizumab. Shord, SS., Bressler, LR., Tierney, LA., et al.[2020]

Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets VEGF, has shown promising results in treating recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), with notable response rates and progression-free survival at 6 months in various studies.

While early trials indicate that some patients may survive beyond 1 or 2 years on bevacizumab, definitive Phase III trial data are still needed to confirm its efficacy, and it is currently being tested in combination with other treatments for newly diagnosed GBM.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bevacizumab in glioblastoma multiforme. Specenier, P.[2015]

In a study involving 25 patients with recurrent glioblastoma and anaplastic gliomas, the combination of bevacizumab and hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (HFSRT) was found to be safe and well tolerated, with no cases of radiation necrosis reported.

The treatment showed promising efficacy, with a 50% overall response rate and a median overall survival of 12.5 months, indicating that this regimen could be an effective option for patients with recurrent malignant gliomas.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety and efficacy of bevacizumab with hypofractionated stereotactic irradiation for recurrent malignant gliomas. Gutin, PH., Iwamoto, FM., Beal, K., et al.[2022]

In a study of 4191 patients treated with bevacizumab, only 12 (0.3%) experienced intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), indicating that this complication is rare among users of the drug.

The incidence of ICH in patients treated with bevacizumab (3.7%) was similar to the baseline rate (3.6%) in comparable patients not receiving the drug, suggesting that bevacizumab does not significantly increase the risk of ICH.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Intracranial hemorrhage in patients with cancer treated with bevacizumab: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering experience. Khasraw, M., Holodny, A., Goldlust, SA., et al.[2022]

Bevacizumab, used to treat glioblastoma and other tumors, has a unique toxicity profile that can lead to serious side effects like gastrointestinal perforation and intracranial hemorrhages, particularly in glioblastoma patients.

The study systematically reviewed these adverse events, identifying risk factors and suggesting preventive and therapeutic measures to reduce treatment-related complications, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring in patients receiving this therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Practical management of bevacizumab-related toxicities in glioblastoma. Brandes, AA., Bartolotti, M., Tosoni, A., et al.[2022]

In a study of 27 patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas, bevacizumab demonstrated a clinical benefit rate of 59%, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 4.3 months and a six-month PFS rate of 43%.

The safety profile included some serious adverse events, with 10 episodes of grade 3/4 side effects, but overall, the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab were found to be comparable to other international studies on similar patient populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bevacizumab use for recurrent high-grade glioma at McGill University Hospital. Sahebjam, S., Garoufalis, E., Guiot, MC., et al.[2019]

Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets VEGF, has been shown to reduce tumor growth and associated brain swelling in glioblastoma patients, potentially improving their quality of life and survival rates.

Despite its benefits, the review highlights the importance of understanding the potential side effects and complications of bevacizumab, as well as exploring new drug combinations to enhance its efficacy in treating glioblastoma.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Role of bevacizumab therapy in the management of glioblastoma. Peak, SJ., Levin, VA.[2021]

A patient with relapsed glioblastoma achieved a durable complete remission and a 20-month progression-free survival using a combination of cetuximab and bevacizumab in a third-line treatment setting.

The success of this treatment may be attributed to targeting cancer stem cells and enhancing the immune system's ability to attack these cells, suggesting a promising approach for difficult-to-treat gliomas.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Durable complete remission of a brainstem glioma treated with a combination of bevacizumab and cetuximab. Blesa, JM., Mollá, SB., Esparcia, MF., et al.[2021]

In a study of 51 patients with non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastases, bevacizumab demonstrated a significant objective response rate of 62.7% and an overall survival of 14 months, indicating its efficacy in this patient population.

Cerebral toxicities occurred in 19.6% of patients, with cardiovascular disease identified as a major risk factor for these complications, highlighting the need for careful patient selection when using bevacizumab.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Retrospective study on bevacizumab in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastases. Wang, Z., Yang, JJ., Tu, HY., et al.[2020]

In a case study of three patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) who had already undergone extensive treatment, cetuximab, an EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody, showed promising responses as a single-agent therapy.

This suggests that targeting the EGFR signaling pathway with cetuximab may provide a new treatment option for patients with recurrent GBM, which typically has poor outcomes with standard therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long term responses with cetuximab therapy in glioblastoma multiforme. Belda-Iniesta, C., Carpeño, Jde C., Saenz, EC., et al.[2021]

Cetuximab, an anti-EGFR antibody, significantly increased median survival in mice with EGFR-amplified glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), especially when administered indefinitely, showing a survival increase of at least 900%.

Combining cetuximab with radiation therapy resulted in greater survival benefits than either treatment alone, and preliminary in vitro studies indicated that cetuximab enhanced the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents against GBM cells.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody cetuximab augments radiation effects in glioblastoma multiforme in vitro and in vivo. Eller, JL., Longo, SL., Kyle, MM., et al.[2019]

Cetuximab was well tolerated in 55 patients with recurrent high-grade glioma, showing limited antitumor activity with only 5.5% achieving a partial response and 29.6% having stable disease.

The median overall survival for patients was 5.0 months, and while a small percentage experienced longer progression-free survival, there was no significant link between treatment response and EGFR gene amplification status.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stratified phase II trial of cetuximab in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma. Neyns, B., Sadones, J., Joosens, E., et al.[2022]

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